Premier League giants could move to Scotland’s Murrayfield Stadium
Rugby NewsThursday, 28 August 2025 at 12:12
Newcastle United are closing in on a pivotal decision regarding the future of St. James’ Park, with several options under consideration.
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The club's leadership is exploring the potential to expand the current stadium's capacity via two distinct approaches. Meanwhile, the possibility of building an entirely new ground remains on the table.
A verdict is anticipated in the coming months following extensive consultation with stakeholders, including fans. Boosting matchday revenue is crucial for the Magpies to navigate the financial pressures imposed by Profit and Sustainability regulations and Financial Fair Play.
Expansion vs. Relocation
United have observed how clubs like Tottenham and Arsenal have benefited from modern stadia. However, should expansion of St. James’ Park be the chosen route, there are logistical challenges to consider. One key issue is the potential disruption to matchdays during construction.
Groundsharing has been floated as a temporary solution, though viable candidates are scarce. Suggestions of sharing with rivals Sunderland have surfaced, but this idea has been swiftly dismissed as impractical.
Groundsharing Alternatives
If Newcastle opt for groundsharing during renovations, Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh could be a contender. The iconic home of Scottish rugby, with its 67,000-seat capacity, could comfortably accommodate Newcastle's fanbase. Additionally, there are no rivalry concerns.
However, the stadium's distance poses a significant drawback. While Edinburgh is relatively close, the prospect of fans traveling such a distance—especially for midweek fixtures—raises logistical concerns.
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Red Roses pride: Nine World Cup stars who are out and proud
England’s Red Roses aren’t just rugby powerhouses — they’re also trailblazers for LGBTQ+ represenation in sport.
As they charge into this year’s Rugby World Cup on home turf, nine stars are proudly out and representing both their country and community.
Here’s the incredible lineup flying the flag for Pride while chasing World Cup glory:
Marlie “Captain Fantastic” Packer — England
Captain. Flanker. Champion. And a Red Rose through and through. Marlie Packer heads into her third World Cup with England, fresh off a one-match ban that had fans worried she might miss out. No chance. A 2014 World Cup winner already, she’s determined to lead the Roses to another title — and she’ll be doing it alongside her fiancée, teammate Rosie Galligan.
Rosie “Resilient Rose” Galligan — England
Rosie Galligan’s journey is pure resilience. From making her professional debut with Saracens in 2016 to lifting back-to-back WXV 1 titles, Galligan is no stranger to success. This is her second World Cup, but there’s an extra twist this time: she’s engaged to teammate Marlie Packer. Power couple energy incoming.
Mackenzie “Maple Leaf Turned Rose” Carson — England
Born in Canada. Built for rugby. And now a Red Rose. Mackenzie Carson has already played three World Cups for Canada — but in 2025, she’s switched allegiances to England. Better still, she’ll be suiting up alongside her partner Sarah Bern, making them one of rugby’s fiercest power duos.
Sarah “Scrum Queen” Bern — England
England powerhouse Sarah Bern is used to breaking through defences — now she’s breaking barriers too.
With Carson, her partner both on and off the field, Bern is set for another World Cup campaign. Expect big hits, big carries, and big love stories in red and white.
Megan “Sevens Speedster” Jones — England
England’s youngest-ever sevens debutant at just 17, Megan Jones has built a career on speed, skill, and fearless play. After recovering from injury in 2024, she’s back and ready for the World Cup stage. Off the pitch, she’s happily with Great Britain teammate Celia Quansah — another rugby star in her own right.
Holly “Golden Boot” Aitchison — England
A natural playmaker with a golden boot, Holly Aitchison has done it all: Six Nations, World Cup, the Tokyo Olympics. Now she’s back in Red Roses colours for the 2025 World Cup, and she’ll be lining up with her partner — and fellow England star — Hannah Botterman.
Hannah “Front-Row Force” Botterman — England
The front-row force who eats scrums for breakfast. Hannah Botterman already has Grand Slam medals and World Cup experience to her name, but this year brings an extra special twist: she’s heading into the tournament alongside her partner, teammate Holly Aitchison. Roses united, on and off the pitch.
Amy “Cross-Continental” Cokayne — England
From New Zealand to England and back again — Amy Cokayne’s rugby story spans continents. After stints with Harlequins, Leicester Tigers, and now Sale Sharks, she’s earned her spot in another World Cup campaign. With experience at both the 2017 and delayed 2021 editions, Cokayne is set to be a vital presence for England in 2025.
Claudia “Chief in Command” Moloney-MacDonald — England
Dynamic, versatile, unstoppable. Claudia Moloney-MacDonald can shine at scrum-half or wing, and she’s been doing just that for Exeter Chiefs Women. A Six Nations Grand Slam winner in 2019 and a World Cup veteran from 2021, she’s back again to bring pace and passion to the Roses.
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